The best water shoes are secure, protective and quick drying. They’ll be sturdy enough to keep you stable, but light enough to keep you nimble underwater. Looking for a trusty pair of water shoes that will see you through summer and beyond? Make a splash with the best water shoes brands for women.
(Photo: Speedo.com)
Naked toes are fine for casual breaststroke on a sandy beach, but if you’re white-water rafting or taking or shoreline stroll along a particularly pebbly beach (Croatia, we’re looking at you), you’ll need to equip yourself with a trusty water shoe. No one wants to be beaten by one slippery rock. There are thousands of styles to choose from, but not all water shoes are made equal. From sock-style shoes with full-toe coverage to durable sea sandals, we’ve cherry-picked five of the best water shoes brands for women based on style, design and price.
Speedo
No brand is more synonymous with the sea than speedo, so it should come as no surprise that they make some of the best water shoes for women on the market today. There are a few different styles to choose from, but the Speedo Surf Kit is one of the most popular. The traditional sock-style shoe is protective and comfy, as well as quick-drying. They offer a good amount of stretch too, so you can pull them on and off without chafing your fingers. All of the current range of water shoes have thick outsoles suitable for rocky environments, as well as hydrophobic rubber insoles which protect against lumps and bumps.
Buy now at Speedo.com
Keen
(Photo: KeenFootwear.com)
They’re not the cheapest water shoe brand out there, but you can guarantee that these water shoes will last you a long time. Keen offers a range of different water sandals, designed for maximum flexibility in the water. The Clearwater CNX style is the most popular – a lightweight sandal with bungee lacing to allow for a customised fit and contoured arch cradles to support the foot. Shoes weigh just over 200 grams, making them one of the lightest swim sandals on offer. Helpfully, all shoes are machine washable too.
Buy now at KeenFootwear.com
Vibram
When Vibram’s Five Fingers range first came on the scene it was, well, surprising. But people quickly got on board with the innovative design once they realised how comfortable they were. The watersport shoes are designed to replicate being barefoot while protecting your feet. They offer a reliable mega grip outsole for non-slip swims, as well as ultra-thin mesh uppers and perforations for quick during time. They’re extremely flexible too, with a helpful hook and loop strap design for a secure fit.
Buy now at Eu.Vibram.com
DigiHero
(Photo: Amazon.com)
For a cheap and cheerful water shoe, you can’t go far wrong with DigiHero. Shoes are available in a wide range of colours, from sleek black to leopard print. They’re priced at an extremely accessible $20 too. Shoes are ergonomically moulded, with shock absorption performance cushioning to separate the protective toe, while the top-quality rubber sole protects feet from sharp objects. The whole range is made from a quick-drying and breathable diving material.
Buy now at Amazon.com
Astral
Astral offers sturdy water shoes built for wet outdoor activities. The sleek, minimal design means you won’t look out of place out on the street afterwards either. They’re built for extremely heavy use, so best reserved for activities like white-water rafting and river treks. They’re not cheap but they are designed to last a long time, with a lifetime guarantee. The water shoes are comfortable and secure too, with uppers made from water-resistant canvas.
Buy now at AstralDesigns.com